Get a Gel Mani at Home (Kinda, at Least) Thanks to Dior

So the truth is, I'm really torn about gel manicures. I really don't like having to go pro every time I want a new color and/or design on my nails -- which is basically like every day -- and I also totally don't like that once I get a pro application, I need to see a pro (and pay extra) to have the mani removed. And then there's this study, which suggests too many gel manicures are no good. Alas, for the vanity obsessed, there are pluses: crazy shine, longer wear, major chip-resistances.

Thankfully, there’s this thing called the middle ground. Or at least, there is now in #NailArt land. Christian Dior (whose Nail Gloss we’re completely addicted to), has gone and created my gel mani middle ground: The Dior Gel Coat ($24), a new top coat that’s supposed to look just like a gel mani without, you know, the gel part.

You have to use it on totally dry nails (like dried-overnight dry, not let-dry-for-15-minutes dry), which is kind of a bummer, but once you do it — you’ll be totally glad you waited to use it. It’s super, super, super thick and dries in seconds flat. While that means you’ll have to work quickly, you’ll get crazy shine as long as the application is right. We’ve heard some complaints of quick chippage, but others have reported over eight days of wear without a single nick. Regardless, we’re suckers for shiny tips. Sold.